Day One Society Youth Wing (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

YOUTH BEDS

New beds allow Day One Society to better care for Kamloops youth

Apr 25, 2024 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Day One Society in Kamloops has expanded its ability to provide care to the youth of Kamloops. Earlier this year, the society was finally able to open a dedicated youth wing with five single occupancy rooms at its Phoenix Centre location. The beds are available for anyone under the age of 25 who is looking to begin their personal road to recovery.

After delays related to supply chain and staffing shortages, Executive Director Sian Lewis is happy to see the process complete especially with the current street drug supply.

“Younger people do tend to stay for a shorter time period, which is that 5-to-7 days, which has always been our marker. But because of the drugs out in the community, we know there is a mix of different drugs that are being put into substances that people are not always aware of. Depending on that blend, they might have to come in for a longer stay,” said Lewis.

The dedicated space, separated from the facility’s 20 adult beds, allows the staff to better care for the younger patients.

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“We know developmentally younger people are in a different place in terms of their ability to understand their response to this type of support. We can wrap around the services in a safe way, taking into consideration the unique needs of this population,” added Lewis.

The rooms, along with a common space, allow the young people in care a better chance at recovery. But with only five beds available, it can become a juggling act to ensure all those who want help can receive it.

“It really depends on what is happening in terms of our triage process, who is presenting,” said Lewis. “For young people, we are going to try to get them in as soon a possible because the fact that they are younger, they are more vulnerable and we want to get them in sooner.”